Lyback’s Ice Fishing History | Serving Mille Lacs Since 1954
A 70+ Year Tradition
Founded in 1954, Lyback’s Ice Fishing has been a trusted name for ice fishing on Mille Lacs Lake for over 70 years. The roots of the business, however, stretch even earlier—into the late 1940s and early 1950s—when Clark and Phyllis Lyback began helping anglers access Mille Lacs Lake during the winter with just a Willys Jeep and five small rental fish houses. In many ways, they helped pioneer fish house rentals and organized ice fishing access on Mille Lacs Lake at a time when the sport was still developing in Minnesota.
Following World War II, the introduction of four-wheel-drive vehicles such as Jeeps and military surplus trucks opened new possibilities for winter travel on the ice. Clark Lyback was among the first on Mille Lacs Lake to use this equipment to plow ice roads and move fish houses safely across the lake. These early efforts laid the foundation for what would become modern ice fishing operations, not only on Mille Lacs but across the region.
As demand for Mille Lacs ice fishing grew, so did Lyback’s. The business gradually expanded its fleet of rental fish houses and improved ice road systems, becoming a reliable source of access for anglers traveling from across Minnesota and the Midwest. From the beginning, the focus remained the same—safe access, productive fishing locations, and a straightforward, hardworking approach to serving customers.
In 1976, Clark’s son, Eddy Lyback, took over day-to-day operations on the ice and later officially purchased the business in 1984. Under Eddy’s leadership, Lyback’s Ice Fishing continued to grow and modernize while maintaining its family-owned roots. The operation expanded to include permanent fish house service, wheelhouse access, storage options, and improved road systems designed to support heavier equipment and larger groups.
Eddy carried forward the family tradition of hard work on the ice—personally overseeing conditions, maintaining roads, and ensuring anglers were placed on proven fishing grounds for walleye, northern pike, perch, and tullibee. His hands-on approach helped solidify Lyback’s reputation as one of the most dependable ice fishing providers on Mille Lacs Lake.
Now in our 71st year on the ice, Lyback’s Ice Fishing continues to serve generations of anglers seeking a true Mille Lacs experience. While equipment, technology, and fishing styles have evolved, our commitment has not changed: provide trusted ice road access, quality service, and access to some of the best fishing grounds on the lake.
For many families, Lyback’s is more than just a destination—it’s a winter tradition passed down through generations. We are proud to continue that legacy today and grateful to every customer who has made Lyback’s part of their Mille Lacs ice fishing story.
